SO as Wales threatened to blitz England in the PR phoney war, with another broadside from Gareth Bale, it was left to the Real Madrid star’s ex-Southampton academy colleague Adam Lallana to put his old friend’s threat into context.

And Lallana insisted England have no plans to man-mark Bale in tomorrow’s Group B clash in Lens.

The Liverpool forward said: “Our squad is full of players who have played Real Madrid, as well as Barcelona and Messi in the Champions League – they know it’s not always the right thing to do, to man-mark these players.

England could not see out hold their lead against Russia (Image: Getty)

“You don’t want to leave your team vulnerable on the counter-attack with players such as Gareth playing. It’s possible teams can be intimidated but I know that won’t affect me or our team. We have plenty of players with that aura and special talent.

“But Wales aren’t a one-man show. I have the pleasure of playing with Joe Allen and know what a talent he is. Aaron Ramsey is another, so we can’t put all our focus on Gareth then get a sucker punch from another good player.

“I don’t believe stopping Gareth is how we’ll win this game. Their second goal against Slovakia was Ramsey to Hal Robson-Kanu – Gareth wasn’t involved.

Bale celebrates opener against Slovakia

“We all watch the Real Madrid games on TV so we know his strengths. We don’t need to be told exactly what run he makes. We’re professional players.

“You’ve just got to box smart. Don’t give away silly fouls around the box, although they’re maybe saying that too after Eric Dier’s goal against Russia.”

Lallana has watched his mate’s career trajectory head towards the stratosphere – and admits he couldn’t have imagined Bale playing in attack at the Bernabeu as the world’s most expensive player.

He said: “I have good memories of playing with Gareth. Our families went to away games together. Even in the academy and reserves. He’s developed a lot, worked hard and deserves all his success.

Wales' Aaron Ramsey battles for the ball against Slovakia

“When he broke into the first team, he had a wonderful left foot. He scored great free-kicks then went to Tottenham and had a difficult time. There were doubters there but he proved everyone wrong.

“I don’t know what sets him apart but it’s probably his mentality. To go to another country and not speak the language, you have to be very strong mentally.

“I suppose I’m surprised to see how far up the pitch he is playing now. He was a left-back with bundles of pace and athleticism.

“It’s refreshing to see someone can turn from a left-back into ... I wouldn’t even call him a winger as he plays up front now. For young players coming through he’s a real role model.”

A dejected looking Adam Lallana of England walks back with his team mates after Russia equalise (Image: Getty)

The Spurs hitman misfired badly against Russia and the decision to make him designated corner-taker has left many people baffled.

England have been blessed with some of the world’s best dead-ball specialists – David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. It would have been unthinkable for Michael Owen to take a corner while Beckham, Lampard and Gerrard queued up in the box.

But that is what is happening now with Kane on designated corner duty because, according to Roy Hodgson, he is “the best striker of the ball” in the squad.

Sheringham said: “You have Kane on corner kicks – why? Anticipation is a striker’s most important asset. They’re on the move, they’re thinking, they’re reading the game – they know the area the ball will drop into and they’re moving a split-second before the defender.

“Midfielders and wide players don’t have the same instinct. Strikers do. Yet England have one striker playing in midfield and another taking corners. It’s not right.”